Officer Handschar Collar Tab

[Roy Queen]

I've just read an excellent book by George Lepre about the Handschar Division. What I didn't know until I was thumbing through the books was that there was an officer's version of the Handschar tab. What I mean by that is that the tab in question has the white cord trim around the base of the tab. I haven't seen a tab like this on the collector market. What would the rarity level be when compared to the enlisted tab?

I never knew that the German members also wore the Handschar tab as well, I had assumed that they would have worn the SS runic tabs. Anyway, the book was certainly excellent, and I've learned alot from it.

[Guy]

Hi Roy,

I would be very suprised if the tab had white cord piping. This went out in the 30's and was used to pipe early Allgemeine patches. I could understand a patch which had silver piping (probably added by a tailor to an OR's patch) but cordelit seems strange. mind you they were a volunteer unit so anything is possible I suppose.

Your's Guy.

[Dallas]

Really! I will have to look at this in my copy when I get back home tonight! Interesting stuff!

[Roy Queen]

Hello fellas,

The piping may have been silver trim, it is pretty tough to definately make it out on the black and white photos. They are interesting photos, and I am surprised that many of the German staff also wore the fez as well.

[Matthew T S]

There are a dozen pictures in the book that show an officer version being worn, I'm sure it is silver piping. I've never seen one for sale, but they are most likely out there somewhere.

And it seems like everyone in the division wore the fez at some point, even the division commanders.

[Greg Domian]

I have an officers Handschar collar tab..picked it up about 15 years ago. Is it real..I think it is...but since we see so few..I have never seen any others for sale..it is just my opinion that it is and I feel good about it. It is hand embroidered in aluminum thread with aluminum pipping.

Greg

[Terry K.]

Hi Greg,

Picture please.
Thanks,

[Matthew T S]

Yes Greg, please show it if you have a pic of it.

[Greg Domian]

Well..I should have figured.. I will look for it and post it asap.

Greg

[Greg Domian]

Here's the tab. I don't have a pic of the back in my files and the tab is in the vault right now but nothing unusual with the backside..no tag, etc.

Greg

[Roy Queen]

Beautiful Tab!

That is one sharp looking tab! Thanks for posting it!

[Matthew T S]

Beautiful tab, Greg! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[MJC]

Roy,

Thanks for the tip on Lepre's book. I've just ordered it from amazon.com for 39.95.

Mike

Hot tab, BTW

[Roy Queen]

Hello,

I really enjoyed Lepre's book, it has alot of good information on the unit, and has excellent photos as well. It certainly occupies a spot in my reference library. The next Waffen SS book I plan to add is Otto Kumm's book on the 7th SS Mountain Division.

Roy,

Thanks for the tip on Lepre's book. I've just ordered it from amazon.com for 39.95.

Mike

Hot tab, BTW

[Kristijan]

The next Waffen SS book I plan to add is Otto Kumm's book on the 7th SS Mountain Division.

That is great book,I have it in my collection.